ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS. ll 
the simultaneous and universal prevalence of the glacial period 
Could that be once firmly established, then, it is admitted, it would 
indeed be fatal to Darwin’s doctrine, But the proof seems to be 
wanting that the entire globe was involved at one and the same 
time in such glacial conditions as would be destructive of all 
terrestrial life. The doctrine of evolution is thus beset with diffi- 
culties ; and the true attitude of science, according to Darwin, is to 
accumulate facts which may unravel the mystery by which the 
question is surrounded. 
Of all the students of nature in the present era none came up to 
Darwin in his patient, earnest inquiry into and collection of facts. 
The object of his search was truth, and whatever has been true in 
the life-work of Darwin will live, whilst whatever has been mis- 
taken will die ; and I think we may conclude, from all we know 
of his gentle spirit and honest nature, that no man—as has been 
well said of him—would more rejoice at the death than would 
Darwin himself. 
Gentlemen, I hope you will not think that I am carrying my 
remarks on the work and character of Darwin to too great a length. 
I must confess to a deep admiration for the man by the study of 
his works. His earnestness and his modesty are distinguishing 
traits in his character—they inspire one with admiring interest ; 
and even if we do not accept his creed or agree with his inferences, 
or if they should hereafter prove erroneous, that would not 
detract in the slightest degree from his fame as a naturalist, 
nor would it lessen the profound sense of gratitude to which 
+ discoveries in the field of natural science most 
justly entitle him. 
If you would kindly bear with me a little longer, I should much 
wish to quote to you a few passages collected from the addresses 
delivered at the meeting of the British Association, held at South- 
ampton last year, expressive of the deep sense entertained by 
Scientific men of the highest eminence as to the loss sustained 
through Darwin’s death. At the meeting of the British Associa- 
tion in Southampton, in the month of August last, the President,in 
